NRL: Carney out of opener

Todd Carney. Photo / Getty Images

Sydney Roosters star Todd Carney is out of Friday's NRL season opener against South Sydney at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Carney, who has endured a torrid lead-up to the start of the new campaign, following his arrest for drink-driving 10 days ago, hasn';t been named in the Roosters side after failing to recover from January groin surgery.

The Dally M Medallist sustained the injury playing for Australia in the Four Nations clash with New Zealand in Auckland in October.

Coach Brian Smith has named Braith Anasta at five-eighth alongside Mitchell Pearce with Carney expected to be back for the round two clash with Manly.

Meanwhile Manly fullback Brett Stewart will play for the first time since round one of last season.

- NEWSTALK ZB